Proposal of Thyajya Shramika Sangha to the Asia Pacific-based affiliates of IAWP
Whereas,
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers (AIW) and many of its members, which may be registered as charities, trusts, or NGOs, in the establishment and development of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP). Their contributions have been significant in drafting the constitution, formulating the Executive Council, shaping policy recommendations, and defining organizational positions within the Global Alliance of Waste Pickers, subsequently renamed the International Alliance of Waste Pickers. Notably, 11 out of 12 Indian affiliates of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers stem from the Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers.
Recognizing that while the Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers fulfils the criteria of a membership-based network with democratically elected leadership by member organizations, its nature as an organization of organizations, lacking a formal constitution or bylaws, and operating primarily through protocols established by member organizations and a central secretariat, renders it ineligible for direct affiliation with the IAWP.
Furthermore, acknowledging the presence of numerous waste picker organizations that have been unable to register as member-based organizations, with constitutions or bylaws that do not reflect membership-based structures, due to the political and social circumstances in their respective countries and regions yet they play a critical role in organizing waste pickers. It is imperative that both networks similar to AIW and charities or NGOs organizing waste pickers are encompassed within the sphere of influence of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers to ensure the unity of the waste pickers movement.
Similarly, recognizing the existence of analogous networks such as REDLACRE in Latin America, which operate regionally akin to AIW, yet encounter similar ineligibility for direct affiliation due to constitutional constraints.
Resolves,
Therefore, we propose to the Congress of IAWP the establishment of an associate membership status within the existing organizational framework.
The Associate membership shall confer non-voting observer status, enabling participation in the Congress and providing the opportunity to offer non-binding recommendations on policies and procedures of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers.
Criteria for associate membership shall be developed by the Executive Council at an appropriate juncture, granting the Council discretion to invite eligible entities to join as Associate members, including through invitation.
The provision for Associate membership may be included in the constitution either as an amendment to Section 4 on membership, as an annexure, or as a congressional resolution, with the following stipulations:
“Associate membership is extended to networks of waste picker organisations or other relevant organisations operating at local, national and regional levels, by invitation.
- Associate members hold non-voting status and may participate in Congress and relevant committees, providing non-binding input and recommendations to the International Alliance of Waste Pickers.
- The Executive Council members shall prepare a code of conduct for the Associate Members and any other observers for their participation in IAWP meetings, and events.
- Associate members and observers should shall not be present in the room during the voting session.
- Criteria for extending associate membership will be determined by the Executive Council.
- Criteria may include stipulations such as the organisation or network having been active for more than five years in supporting waste pickers for livelihood and social protection, and explicitly mentioning waste pickers in its protocols and other relevant documents, such as trust deeds or bylaws.
- Associate membership is extended solely by invitation based on the decision of the Executive Council.
- The Executive Council will finalise whether the associate members pay a membership fees.”
This resolution aims to integrate both existing and future networks of waste picker organisations within the scope of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers, fostering collaboration and solidarity across regional boundaries.
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